Vietnam
Hong Kong
TaiwanAssessment before commitment
Before you sign, we assess your background and evidence against the official criteria and tell you honestly how strong your case is; if it is not ready, we advise strengthening it first.
Hong Kong talent schemes
Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
High earners and graduates of the world’s top universities can come to Hong Kong without a job offer.
Reviewed by Oscar Yip · Updated October 2026
Programme overview
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) attracts high earners and graduates of the world’s top universities to Hong Kong. You do not need a local job offer before applying; once approved, you can bring your dependants and come to Hong Kong to work, start a business or explore opportunities.
Not sure this programme is the best fit?
Dedicated professional team · Mandarin, Cantonese and English · Reply within one working day
InvestmentNo investment required
Job offerNot required
First stayCategory A 36 months; B and C 24 months
FamilySpouse and unmarried children under 18
Summary
TTPS has three categories. Category A is for people with an annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more in the previous year; Category B for graduates of eligible universities with at least three years of work experience; and Category C for recent graduates of eligible universities with less than three years of work experience (subject to an annual quota).
Key benefits of TTPS
- No job offer neededYou do not need a local job offer to apply; once approved you can come to work, start a business or explore opportunities.
- Decision in about four weeksImmD normally processes an application in four weeks once all documents and the fee are received; extensions take about two to three weeks.
- Up to three years on first grantCategory A is normally granted 36 months and Categories B and C 24 months, on time limitation only.
- Free to change jobs or start a businessDuring your stay you can take up or change employment, or set up a business, without prior ImmD approval.
- Family can work and studyYour spouse and unmarried children under 18 can join you as dependants and may work or study in Hong Kong.
- Clear criteria, no points testMeet the income or degree-plus-experience criteria and you can apply; a quota applies only to Category C.
- 200 eligible universitiesThe current list covers 200 universities, including the top 100 in four world rankings and the top 20 Mainland universities.
- Six-year extension for high earnersAfter two years on the scheme, with assessable income of HKD 2 million or more in the previous tax year, you are normally granted six years.
- Permanent residence after 7 yearsAfter seven years of continuous ordinary residence you can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence with the right of abode.
Why Global Immigrate for TTPS
- families approved
- 60+
- approval rate
- 99%
- offering this programme since
- 2023
Evidence and argument strategy
A team that knows the assessment standards plans your evidence, recommendation letters and personal statement, addressing each criterion in turn.
Planning for renewal and permanent residence
From the first application we plan for the conditions of renewal and permanent residence, not just the first step of entry.
Clear, transparent fees
All service fees and third-party costs are set out in writing before you sign — no hidden charges — and our refund terms are explained clearly.
Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet the following:
- Category A: annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more in the year before applying
- Category B: a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university and at least three years of work experience in the past five years
- Category C: a bachelor’s degree from an eligible university awarded in the past five years, with less than three years of work experience (annual quota, first come first served; not open to non-local students who studied a full-time local undergraduate programme in Hong Kong)
- Eligible universities are those on the government’s published list of 200 universities
- No adverse immigration or criminal record
Our three guarantees
Full service-fee refund if refused
Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.
No extra charge for further documents or resubmission
If the authorities request further documents, or an application must be resubmitted, we handle it at no additional service fee.
Handled by professionals, fee fixed at signing
Every application is prepared and reviewed by our professional immigration team. Your service fee is fixed when you sign, with no additional charges afterwards.
Service fees exclude investment amounts, government fees and third-party costs. Refusals caused by false or incomplete information, or by the applicant not cooperating as required, are not eligible for a refund. Full terms are set out in the service agreement.
The three categories compared
| Category | Main requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more | Based mainly on proof of income |
| B | Degree from an eligible university, 3+ years’ experience | Accumulated in the past five years |
| C | Degree from an eligible university, under 3 years’ experience | Graduated in the past five years; quota applies |
The list of eligible universities and the quota are subject to the Immigration Department’s latest announcements.
Free TTPS brochure
Covers the requirements, process and timeline, a fee overview and FAQs. Leave your details and we’ll send it to you.
Thank you — the brochure is on its way to your inbox
If you can’t see it, please check your spam folder. A consultant may also contact you to answer any questions about the programme.
Application process
- Category assessment1 weekWe confirm your category and the documents needed.
- Prepare and submit1–3 weeksGather your degree, income or employment evidence and apply online.
- ProcessingUsually about four weeksThe Immigration Department processes the application.
- Arrival and extensionsPer your visa periodAfter arriving, apply for extensions when the conditions are met.
Pathway to PR and citizenship
- Hong Kong residence visaUsually about 4 weeks
An initial stay of 36 months for Category A and 24 months for Categories B and C, with no job offer needed; your spouse and children under 18 can join as dependants.
While on this statusTo renew you generally need to show employment or a business in Hong Kong; Hong Kong must be your place of ordinary residence for the 7 years — there is no set number of days, but you must explain any absence of more than 6 months in a row when applying for PR
- Hong Kong permanent residenceAfter 7 years of continuous ordinary residence
Apply for a Hong Kong permanent identity card with the right of abode; no more visa renewals. Hong Kong has no separate nationality: Chinese nationals with permanent residence can get an HKSAR passport, while others must first apply for Chinese nationality, which is strictly assessed.
Keeping permanent statusChinese nationals keep permanent residence regardless of absence; non-Chinese permanent residents who are away for 36 months in a row lose the right of abode and instead hold the right to land (they can still live and work in Hong Kong without a visa)
General information only; requirements follow each country’s latest rules and can vary with your circumstances.
TTPS client stories
Client storyClear income evidence, and the family moves to Hong Kong under TTPS Category A
Mr Leung’s TTPS experience. He wanted to move his family to Hong Kong.
Read the full storyClient storyA Taiwanese graduate moves to Hong Kong under TTPS Category CMs Chen’s TTPS experience. She graduated from a listed university with less than three years of work experience.
Read the full storyCompared with other options: Hong Kong
See the Hong Kong overview| Programme | Investment | Status | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)This programme | No investment or job offer needed | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Usually about 4 weeks | Annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more, or a degree from an eligible university |
| Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) | No investment or job offer needed | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Depends on selection; no official time published | Well-rounded professionals who do not qualify for TTPS |
| Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) / Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents (ASMTP) | No investment; Hong Kong employer needed | Residence (employment visa) | Usually a few weeks | Professionals already hired by a Hong Kong employer |
| Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | HKD 30,000,000 | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Depends on net asset and investment review | High-net-worth individuals and families |
TTPS FAQ
How long can I stay once approved?
Category A applicants are usually granted 36 months and Categories B and C 24 months, with no other conditions of stay during that time.
What is needed to extend my stay?
To extend, you must show you are employed in Hong Kong at a salary broadly at market level, or have started and are running a business in Hong Kong.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 can apply for dependant visas.
When can I apply for Hong Kong permanent residence?
After ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for a continuous period of seven years in a recognised status, and making Hong Kong your permanent home, you can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence.
Sources
GI GroupAfter your new status: tax, succession, education and overseas property
Explore group services
Your tax residency, asset structure and succession arrangements matter most before you move. GI Group can handle tax planning, asset management and wealth succession, your children’s education overseas, and buying a home or investment property in your new country.
Book a consultation
One of our professional consultants will contact you — free and confidential.
Thank you — we have received your request
A consultant will contact you within one working day.